Tensilica Xtensa NX Processor Fundamentals

Length: 2 days (16 Hours)

Course Description

This course covers the fundamentals of Tensilica^® Xtensa^® NX processor architecture and configuration options, software tools, programming, optimization and debug. 

You will explore topics in processor architecture and the configurable options of the Xtensa NX series processors. You will practice working with the Xplorer Integrated Development Environment (IDE), working with Tensilica software tools, and programming Xtensa processors in the labs that are part of this course. You also learn how to program Xtensa processors with application-specific instructions added using the Tensilica Instruction Extension (TIE) language. Emulation and debug of a Tensilica processor is discussed and demonstrated. 

The solid fundamentals taught in this course enable you to quickly become productive in the use of Xtensa NX processors for your SoC design.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Use Xtensa Xplorer (IDE) for software development
• Write, optimize, and debug C/C++ code for any Xtensa processor core
• Understand Xtensa NX processor architecture features and their impact on performance
• Configure an Xtensa NX processor suitable for your application
• Customize your application’s memory map to match your target system
• Program Xtensa NX processors that have TIE extensions
• Emulate and debug Xtensa processors on an FPGA or other emulation platform

Software Used in This Course

• Xtensa software tools version RI-2021.6 or higher 

Software Release(s)

RI-2021.6

Modules in this Course

Tensilica Processor Architecture

• Xtensa NX Processor Architecture Basics
• AR Register File and the Application Binary Interface
• Xtensa-Specific Local Memory Architecture
• Xtensa-Specific System Memory Interface
• Xtensa TIE Interfaces
• Xtensa Exception and Interrupt Architecture

Programming Cores with Tensilica Instruction Extensions

• Introduction to Tensilica Instruction Extensions
• Writing C/C++ Code for Instruction Extensions
• Understanding Compiled Code
• Simulating C/C++ Code with TIE

Developing Software for Xtensa Processors

• Introducing Xtensa Xplorer
  Lab: Installation and licensing; getting help and information; a first program
• Working with Projects and Build Targets
  Lab: Creating projects; the active set; running your program
• Running and Profiling with Xplorer
  Lab: Installing sample code; perspectives; build targets; profiling
• Debugging your Code
  Lab: Debugging your code
• Command-Line Environment
  Lab: Command lines; compiling, running, debugging and profiling your application
• Introduction to Linker Support Packages
• LSP Advanced Topics
• Lab: Memory maps; identifying sections; modifying a memory map; moving stack/heap
• Xtensa NX Exceptions and Interrupts
• Lab: Understanding interrupt and timer code; writing the main function; compiling and simulating
• XTOS and HAL
  Lab: Programming the MPU memory map; generating a bootstrap map

Xtensa Debug & Trace

• Building Target Software for Real Hardware
• Configuration Options for Hardware Debug and Trace
• Single and Multiple-Core Debug Session Demonstrations

Audience

• SoC architects designing systems with Xtensa processors
• Architects/Designers configuring Xtensa processors for a specific application
• Software developers programming Xtensa processors
• Other software/hardware engineers working extensively with Xtensa processors

Prerequisites

You must have experience with or knowledge of the following:

• Basic microprocessor architecture
• Programming in C/C++

Related Courses

•  Tensilica Instruction Extension (TIE) Language and Design

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